“The Reason I Beat The Austrians Is..."

"...They did not know the value of five minutes."

This quartet of 28mm scale metal models are produced by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their AN002 German Infantry Marching set. The figures are four of eight identical Napoleonic Austrian infantrymen sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry found in the blister, and proved a little bit annoying due to a few casting flaws cropping up post priming.

The models were undercoated using a couple of layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black base coat, before having their famous white jackets and trousers treated to a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The infantrymen's collars, cuffs and waist-bands were then given a fine line of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and splash of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson - a uniform scheme which apparently suggests that the unit originated in either Budweis or Leitmeritz.

"If you start to take Vienna - Take Vienna."

I next decided to pigment all of their water bottle shoulder straps using a mixture of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Admittedly, according to my various pieces of reference material, this piece of leather was probably silver-grey in colour. But frankly I decided to use it for one of my many short-cuts, and simply picked it out to be the same colour as the hip-flask itself.

Lastly I applied a little "Vallejo" Gold over a Heavy Sienna base layer to the bottom of all the Austrian's sword scabbards, and their helmet plates. These areas were subsequently shaded with some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. In addition, I once again contemplated applying some "Vallejo" Gold to the underside of each fusilier's plume - something I hadn't done on my previously painted soldiers. However, this still struck me as an incredibly fiddly enterprise - particularly as I'd now need to go back and do it to the others - so I figured I'd just leave well enough alone.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - This Power Armoured Trooper has been heavily converted to carry a flamer

With another four Austrian infantrymen completed, I'm delighted to say that I've already finished my Napoleonic target for the month, and given my Coalition Army for "Black Powder" the option of fielding two tiny units of Francis I of Austria's fusiliers, or a much more likely single, small (eight-figure) unit. I do also own blister AN014 Late German Infantry Marching which I would like to get tabletop ready at some point this year. So plan to employ all of the 'dodges' I learnt from this set with them too - as essentially its exactly the same figure, just wearing different headgear.

Despite recently spending many a precious hobby hour on my Napoleonic miniatures, I have still managed to convert one of my remaining upscaled 3D prints of a Power Armoured Trooper by "Big Mr Tong" for "Fallout: Factions", and slap some early base layers on the 42mm tall brute too. This chap will be the Leader/Champion of my Brotherhood of Steel squad, and has had his laser rifle upgraded to a flamer using a few plastic parts taken from some "Games Workshop" Warhammer 40k sprues...